Yankees’ latest endeavor points to a Jasson Dominguez mistake waiting to happen

[ad_1] New York Yankees former prime prospect Jasson Dominguez hasn’t fairly lived as much as the hype but. As soon as-advertised as “The Martian,” a singular outfielder with an other-worldly skillset, the hopeful Yankee star progressively fell out of favor.

Since taking Justin Verlander deep for his first major-league at-bat in 2023, accidents sidelined Dominguez for many of his first two seasons. And regardless of displaying progress together with his bat final yr, his .257/.331/.388 slash line and 10 house runs did not impress. His stats towards southpaws added significantly to his woes. Nevertheless, his bat wasn’t the one drawback.

Regardless of his pace (23 stolen bases final yr), Dominguez has been fairly clumsy in left subject, accruing -9 outs above common in 2025 in response to Baseball Savant. Due to this, he was solely allotted one postseason look as a pinch-hitter.

Given his poor defensive high quality, struggles towards lefties and the truth that the Yankees’ lineup is already heavy on left-handed hitters, Dominguez has been the topic of commerce rumors. These rumors obtained a lift on Saturday, when Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reported the Yankees are available in the market for a right-handed outfielder. With a power-hitting lefty prospect in Spencer Jones ready for his shot this season and restricted roster spots out there, The Martian’s position within the Bronx appears to be fading. Nonetheless, buying and selling Dominguez won't be the most effective answer.

A Jasson Dominguez commerce might be a catastrophe for the Yankees Fact be instructed, the Yankees don’t have the most effective file in terms of creating expertise. Nevertheless, it’s a little bit early to move judgment on their once-prized prospect. Dominguez will solely be 23 subsequent week, and his 529 profession plate appearances are hardly a yr’s price of information. As well as, the checklist of replacements Kuty talked about — Randall Grichuk, Starling Marte, Tommy Pham and Austin Slater — doesn’t encourage a lot confidence given components reminiscent of their ceilings and ages. There's additionally the draw back of promoting low on Dominguez. Nevertheless, except for his replacements and commerce worth, there are statistical causes to maintain him.

Regardless of posting a disappointing slugging proportion final season, Dominguez was nicely above common in bat pace (eightieth percentile in response to Baseball Savant) and hard-hit proportion (eighty fifth percentile). This could pay dividends if he could make extra contact and discover the optimum launch angle. Given his younger age and promising expertise, the Yankees might reap rewards in the event that they train endurance.